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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Caroline Lea's 'Love, Sex & Frankenstein' is an atmospheric and evocative gothic reimagining of Mary Shelley's tumultuous summer at Villa Diodati. The novel truly captures the emotional intensity of Mary’s relationships with Percy Shelley, her stepsister Claire, and Lord Byron, and works to weave a narrative that covers themes of love, betrayal, and creative awakening.
However, the novel's structure may challenge some readers as it did for me. There are frequent shifts between timelines in the first half which I found disrupted the narrative flow and made it a little difficult to follow. The character dynamics and interpersonal drama also, whilst compelling at times, derail and overshadow what I was most interested in - the exploration of Mary’s literary genius. The actual writing of Frankenstein is introduced later in the story which disappointed me as I was expecting a deeper dive into the novel's creation.
Overall, 'Love, Sex & Frankenstein' is a beautifully written novel that offers a fresh, reimagined perspective on Mary Shelley's life. For me, whilst its narrative structure and emphasis on personal relationships didn't appeal I think that readers who love a character driven story will truly love this work and will find it a compelling read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for a digital review copy of "Love, Sex & Frankenstein" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
However, the novel's structure may challenge some readers as it did for me. There are frequent shifts between timelines in the first half which I found disrupted the narrative flow and made it a little difficult to follow. The character dynamics and interpersonal drama also, whilst compelling at times, derail and overshadow what I was most interested in - the exploration of Mary’s literary genius. The actual writing of Frankenstein is introduced later in the story which disappointed me as I was expecting a deeper dive into the novel's creation.
Overall, 'Love, Sex & Frankenstein' is a beautifully written novel that offers a fresh, reimagined perspective on Mary Shelley's life. For me, whilst its narrative structure and emphasis on personal relationships didn't appeal I think that readers who love a character driven story will truly love this work and will find it a compelling read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for a digital review copy of "Love, Sex & Frankenstein" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
challenging
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
tense
fast-paced
Ok, let’s start with the facts. This is written very well. It’s easy and well paced. The chapters are LONG which is my least favourite thing about the book, which shouts about how good this book is because if that’s my only problem then we’re winning.
The gothic ambience is beautiful; the settings, the buildings, the weather - every detail adds character and atmosphere in a perfectly precise way. I can’t wait to reread this book in the autumn on a rainy day.
I’m not familiar with much about Mary Shelley’s background so I can’t speak to accuracy but if any of this is based in truth then I’ve learnt so much about the author. It was all absolutely fascinating and awful at the same time. The woman was ahead of her time, we know this from her writing but to get to peep into this window of her life made it all the more interesting. I would love to read even more about her life now and I think I’ll search out some more books on the topic!
This is 100% character driven, which I LOVE. I think for anyone who appreciates character analysis then this is one for you.
The female rage is everything in this novel. I won’t shut up about well Caroline Lea captured the intense, silent and brutal nature of that rage. It’s done in such a way that had me ready to leap into the pages to high five our main character. The men are truly waiting to be given a strong hard slap in parts.
This book is full of passion, jealousy betrayal and pettiness and I love every single second.
4/5⭐️
Release Date: 19th June 2025
Thankyou so much @michaeljbooks for the gifted proof!
The gothic ambience is beautiful; the settings, the buildings, the weather - every detail adds character and atmosphere in a perfectly precise way. I can’t wait to reread this book in the autumn on a rainy day.
I’m not familiar with much about Mary Shelley’s background so I can’t speak to accuracy but if any of this is based in truth then I’ve learnt so much about the author. It was all absolutely fascinating and awful at the same time. The woman was ahead of her time, we know this from her writing but to get to peep into this window of her life made it all the more interesting. I would love to read even more about her life now and I think I’ll search out some more books on the topic!
This is 100% character driven, which I LOVE. I think for anyone who appreciates character analysis then this is one for you.
The female rage is everything in this novel. I won’t shut up about well Caroline Lea captured the intense, silent and brutal nature of that rage. It’s done in such a way that had me ready to leap into the pages to high five our main character. The men are truly waiting to be given a strong hard slap in parts.
This book is full of passion, jealousy betrayal and pettiness and I love every single second.
4/5⭐️
Release Date: 19th June 2025
Thankyou so much @michaeljbooks for the gifted proof!